QB Pittsburgh

Grade

4.97 SEC

27.0 INCH

105.0 INCH

7.33 SEC

4.36 SEC

Overview

Sat out two seasons due to NCAA transfer rules. 2013: Started all 13 games for Pittsburgh. Left Little Caesars Pizza Bowl against Bowling Green with a rib injury. Threw just three interceptions in final nine games. 2012: Transferred to Pittsburgh prior to 2011 season. Did not play due to NCAA rules. Did not feel new Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez played a style of football to fit his game. Wanted to enroll at Rutgers again but hardship waiver to play immediately was denied. 2011: Transferred to Arizona prior to 2011 season, but did not play due to NCAA rules. 2010: Played in six games and made four starts for Rutgers. Ineffective early in the season before suffering a hand injury. 2009: Played in 12 games and made 11 starts as a true freshman. Was named the Scarlet Knights' Most Valuable Offensive Player after having the most passing yards (2,211) and touchdowns (14) by a true freshman quarterback in Big East history.

Analysis

Strengths

Terrific size. Sets with balance. Easy, compact, high three-quarters release. Spins a catchable ball. Excellent arm strength to complete NFL throws -- capable of sticking outs from the deep hash or launching balls 60 yards on the money. Experience in pro-style offense. Smart and hardworking. Solid personal and football character. Has tools to work with. Team captain.

Weaknesses

Needs to speed up his clock and show better awareness in the pocket. Needs to quicken his eyes, expand his field vision and learn to manipulate safeties. Tends to stare down his target. Forces some throws into traffic. Erratic accuracy. Slow of foot -- not a scramble threat. Can improve play-action fake. Had some duds -- struggled against Florida State, Virginia and Virginia Tech. Mental toughness needs to be looked into.

Draft Projection

Rounds 5-6

Bottom Line

Big, inconsistent pocket passer who took a circuitous route to Pittsburgh, where he played a full season for the first time since 2009. Is inconsistent and in need of more reps, but has ample arm talent to warrant developmental consideration if teams deem his intangibles worthy of an investment.
-Nolan Nawrocki